Mallory Durkin

Feb 7, 2024 | ksuaradio.com | Anne Johnson |Mallory Durkin

McLamb’s preoccupation with the end of childhood throughout the album is punctuated by references to the causes of her adolescent grief. Perhaps the emotional apex of the album, 16, stories in eviscerating detail the weight of parental absence and illness. Building in intensity, distorted vocals envelop the listener in a submerged haze, akin to being underwater. Yet, in the final verse, glittering instrumentation paired with cathartic, muted harmonies builds to a shimmering release.